Page 17 of An Unbending Lady for the Desperate Earl
“Do any of them wear a gold ring on their little finger with a blue gemstone set within?” Victoria encouraged.
“I cannot recall, but if we can somehow see them all in one room, together, then we may be able to see the evidential article.” He tapped his chin in thought. “Actually, there is a ball this Friday’s eve, to celebrate the coming out of Miss Caitlyn Longacre, daughter to the Viscount and Viscountess of Whitfield.”
Victoria’s face morphed back into a mask of seriousness. “Miss Caitlyn Longacre? Tell me of her. I wish to know everything of her and her family.”
“Miss Longacre is recently turned ten-and-eight and is much admired in high society. I cannot think of a single gentleman who has not already alluded to the idea of wedding her, aside from myself,” he added in haste. “A rare beauty, which I have seen with my own eyes. Even the Dukes and Earls are eager to have their sons wedded to her, for her family has a considerable fortune from the merchant trade, in addition to their inherited sum, which makes even the Duke of Pelsley’s income pale in comparison.”
“Not yours?”
Christian frowned. “You are teasing me again?”
“Indeed I am. Although, in truth, I care little for the wealth of your sort. You have too much, when there are so many who have so little. I shall never be able to comprehend the divide.” She chuckled coldly, before converting back to stern business. “Anyway, you have provided some interesting information. Tell me, is this Miss Longacre of slight build?”
“Some have described her as willowy, so—”
Victoria waggled her finger. “No poetic talk, thank you. I realize speaking of a lady’s form is embarrassing for you, but you must put that aside. Answer me directly; is she of slim physique?”
He nodded slowly. “She is.”
“Well, then, I fear Miss Longacre may be in danger. A ball would present the perfect opportunity for these two villains to observe her in her private realm, as I presume this ball is to take place at the family home?”
“It is,” Christian replied, his heart racing.
Can we stop another atrocity from occurring?
“But she does not quite fit the modus operandi, does she?” he continued. “Prior to this, only ladies of much higher birth have been stolen away.”
“You said it yourself, Lord Galbury—her family has an immense fortune that makes them comparable to any Duke or Earl. And if she is the darling of high society, then that provides even more motive for her capture.” Victoria folded her arms across her chest. “We must attend this ball and utilize your proffered list to see if we may apprehend these foul men before they can strike at Miss Longacre.”
Christian hesitated. “I agree, but, surely, the fellow wearing the ring wouldn’t be foolish enough to don it at such an event?”
“You underestimate the criminal mind, Lord Galbury. If he is the sort of cretin that I suspect him to be, he will wear his ring has a badge of honor and to satisfy his perception that he has done these awful things and is continuing to walk free of retribution for his acts.” Her eyes narrowed. “However, if he is cleverer than I may give him credit for, and does not wear the ring, we will at least be in the right place to prevent Miss Longacre from being taken.”
“And you intend to come to the ball with me?” Christian eyed Victoria and felt a flicker of uncertainty. She didn’t hold herself as any young lady of high society would. She would be sure to stand out and draw suspicions.
“You do not need to look so aghast, Lord Galbury. I can pretend to be anything I must, in order to solve a case.” She smiled, as if she had read his thoughts. “Allyouhave to do is introduce me as a long-lost niece or cousin. Let us say I have returned from the continent after the death of my mother and father, and I am residing at your home in Cornwall for the foreseeable future, though you have brought me to London in the hopes of distracting me from my grief.”
Christian gaped at her. “Your mind works so very quickly, Victoria.”
“It has to,” she said simply. “I will ensure I play the part with the utmost conviction, down to those horrible silk gloves that I cannot abide. But you must play your part for it to work.”
“I do have a cousin who is presently on the continent.” Christian nodded to himself. “Lady Laura Kildare. She is of Irish peerage, though has no accent that I can recall, and has been in France and Spain for much of her life. Yes… I do believe no one would doubt you were her.”
“Ah, you high-society folks and your endless array of cousins.” She grinned, disarming Christian for the thousandth time in a matter of days. “Then, I shall be Lady Laura. And you shall be my charming cousin, desperate to bring a smile back to my face.”
“Shall I provide you with some funds, so you may acquire a gown?” Christian still doubted whether Victoria could look as though she belonged in high society.
Victoria flicked her wrist in dismissal. “I already have one. This is not my first ball, Lord Galbury, though it may surprise you to hear that.” Her eyes took on a sadder glint. “When my father still lived, he solved the case of a missing diamond for some Duke or other. They were so grateful that they invited him to a ball, and permitted me to join him, purchasing several expensive gowns for my delectation. Naturally, I despised all of them, but I deigned to wear one for the sake of maintaining good relations. It still fits, as do the other two. I shall select one and expect to be collected by carriage on Friday evening.”
Christian smiled. “From where, exactly?”
“Ah…” she hesitated, showing a brief mirage of concern that he had never seen on her face before. “Number 21, Lamplighter’s Row, Southwark.”
“Southwark?” His jaw dropped. “Will that not cause something of a stir?”
“Collect me in a hackney carriage and tell your own driver to wait somewhere less conspicuous with your carriage. We shall change there and go to this ball together in your accustomed style,” she replied, her expression still filled with consternation. “Yes, that will suffice.”
Christian nodded. “Very well.”
